In the latest signal of regional economic momentum, financial services giant USAA has announced it will add up to 1,215 jobs and build a 420,000-square-foot facility in Brandon. USAA is investing $164.3 million in the facility, which will become the largest build-to-suit office project in Hillsborough County since 2001. "USAA is growing as the demand for our financial products and services among the military community increases," chief executive officer Joe Robles said. More at the Tampa Bay Times, or read the news release here.

Executives rank Florida's business climate among nation's best

Florida has the No. 13 business climate in the nation among Site Selection’s 2013 Top 25 State Business Climate study. The state’s highest ranking in the study came from the survey of executives, which pegged the Sunshine State at the No. 5 business climate. More at the Orlando Business Journal and see the full results from Site Selection.

Business Profile

Brunton Auto

When Scott Minehart purchased Brunton Auto three years ago during the worst of the recession, the St. Petersburg kit car maker was selling about six or seven cars a year. Now, after expanding the product line, the company is on target this year to sell 20 or more Stalkers, a street-legal race car based on the classic British Lotus 7.

Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity director Jesse Panuccio told legislative committee members on Monday that it could take another two months for the new online unemployment filing system Connect to be in working order. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Florida’s largest private property insurer sees income jump

Universal Insurance Holdings, the owner of Florida’s largest private property insurer, had its most profitable third quarter ever. The Fort Lauderdale-based company (NYSE: UVE) had net income of $14.4 million, up from $8.3 million in the same period a year ago. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Florida businesses & organizations celebrate Florida Recycles Day

Florida businesses and organizations are gathering in the Capitol on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 to celebrate Florida Recycles Day, a day dedicated to promoting recycling statewide. More at WCTV.

Out of the Box A Long Goodbye to Washroom Attendants, Coat Check Girls, Towel Boys ...

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that is not easy to track down, there’s been a 3.5 percent decline since 2000 in the number of employees in the broad category of “Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants,” which includes washroom attendants. For some reason, Colorado has the highest location quotient of any state for the occupation. Going by metro area, the top three are all in Florida: Naples, West Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie.